Sources Sought

The 10th Mission Support Group, Directorate of Contracting, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Colorado, intends to purchase, on a Brand Name Only basis, five (5) G-6 Global Dental Microscopes with Cameras. The wall-mounted microscopes have a 6 step counterbalance scope, inclinable reticle binocular, and many other features included as part of the configuration. The microscopes will be utilized at a USAFA advanced dental residency course to allow for hands-on training by residents and must match existing G-6 Global microscopes currently being used for training. Matching of existing microscopes is mandatory for standardized training. The microscopes have the capability to allow hook up to a monitor providing instructors the ability to download images of procedures and conduct real-time discussion of proper course of treatment. In addition, the unit provides a snapshot of a picture of the procedure for annotating patient records. Equipment must be new. No used or refurbished equipment is authorized. The Government intends to purchase this equipment through the Army Research Medical Equipment and Consumables (ARMEC) contract from Goldbelt Raven, an ANC 8(a) firm.

The North America Industry Classification System Code [NAICS] is 423450 and the size standard is 100. Any company believing they can provide an equal product exactly as identified above must submit their technical data (2 pages or less) to support their claim no later than 18 August 2008, 0800 MDT. An equal product must allow for standardized training on existing G-6 Global Microscopes. Information can be provided via fax (719-333-9103), mail (8110 Industrial Drive, Suite 200, USAF Academy, Colorado, 80840), or e-mail to Leslie Ryan.

This synopsis is a Request for Information only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. The information provided will be used to determine whether other companies can provide an equal product. The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this synopsis. Point of Contact is Donna Kichton, Contracting Specialist (719) 333-2965 email: (donna.kichton@usafa.af.mil).

5352.201-9101 OMBUDSMAN (AUG 2005)

(a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the party to another official who can resolve the concern.

(b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions).

(c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, concerned parties may contact the USAF Academy Ombudsmen,

Kelly Snyder

8110 Industrial Drive, Ste 103

USAFA, CO 80840

Telephone number 719-333-3907

FAX 719-333-4747

Email: kelly.snyder@usafa.af.mil

Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the MAJCOM/DRU level, may be brought by the concerned party for further consideration to the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (703) 588-7004, facsimile number (703) 588-1067.

(d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency.

(e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the Contracting Officer.

(End of clause)